Author Archives: ramblingsofaperforatedmind

New Favorite

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A week or so ago, I received a care package from my friend, Martha.  I couldn’t wait to open the box!  I was thrilled to see a little bear with an Annandale flag.  I also couldn’t wait to tear into the reading material Martha sent.  I think my favorite item—surprisingly—was the Annandale camo hat.  Let me explain.  I never wear hats.  Ever.

My bear now sits on my desk at school along with the flag.

My bear now sits on my desk at school along with the flag.

This hat, however, fits my head just right.  It feels natural.  Never had that happen before!  Thank you, Martha!

My only hat is uber cool.

My only hat is uber cool.

Accidentally Amazing!

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Last night I had planned to get up early and take Bela’s glasses to North Platte’s ShopKo to be repaired.  I got up early, but made the mistake of snuggling a pup.  I fell back asleep! By the time Bela and I were awake enough to discuss taking her glasses, it was about 10:30.  When I go to North Platte, I prefer to make an early morning, flying trip and get home ASAP.  So much for my plan.  We finally left town around lunch time.  Our first stop was A to Z Books.  I took some old books to turn in for store credit, so Bela ended up with a Manga book and three comic books ($1 each for the comics), and I was lucky enough to find a Christine Feehan book.  For less than $10, I got it all! Our second stop was ShopKo, which was our intended destination (if you recall).  As soon as I walked in the store, I saw it…the most adorable patio table with two chairs.  It was (gasp) on sale!  The original price was $299.99.  This lovely table was marked down to $99.99.  I knew if I waited and thought to buy it a week from now, it would be gone.  It was now or never.  I ended up buying the table for my classroom!  It will be perfect for Spanish class.  When I thought the deal couldn’t be better, the lovely Regina (cashier) gave me a coupon worth $10 off on a purchase of $50 or more!  When it was all said and done, I only paid $90.28 plus tax for that wonderful table!

Check out this lovely table!

Check out this lovely table!

Bela was happy to have her glasses fixed, but she hit the jackpot as well.  She found some Japanese cookies that are featured in one of the anime shows she loves.  She got the last three boxes for 90 cents each!

Bela loves these cookies! (They are tasty.)

Bela loves these cookies! (They are tasty.)

We were marveling at our good fortune on the way out of North Platte, and then Bela got even happier when I pulled into the parking lot of Candy’s Cupcakery.  Cassandra, the owner, made Bela’s cake for her quince, and she came out to say hello while we ordered.  I ended up ordering a peanut butter bar, and it was to die for.  WOW! Bela and I made it home by a bit after four, so the trip wasn’t long at all.  I feel like we got a lot done in a relatively short amount of time.  We ended our awesome day with a cheese pizza from The Rustic here in town.  I’m seriously ready for a nap (pizza coma!). https://www.facebook.com/candyscupcakery?fref=ts

Stealth Biting

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Our little dog, Jinx, loves to play and bite.  It could be argued (successfully) that all three dogs are spoiled rotten, but that’s not the point.  I’m usually at the desk, but sometimes I sit on the couch.  When I do, the dogs all crowd close to me.  Chance is a snuggler, Boxi wants to be within licking distance of my foot, but Jinx gets close enough to drape herself across my lap.

Normally, I start petting her.  She begins by licking my hand.  Then she starts “talking”  and play growling.  She doesn’t look like a menace with her dark brown eyes and “eyeliner,”  but she is.  Sooner rather than later, she starts gnawing on my finger.  Is there some part of her that thinks if she is discreet enough I won’t notice?  It seems my hand “accidentally” ends up I her little mouth with those sharp fangs.

She looks innocent, doesn't she?

She looks innocent, doesn’t she?

Bargain Hunting

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Since Bela fell over the weekend, my dad suggested I find her a pair of high tops to support her ankles.  It must have been Bela’s lucky day because she found a pair!  On sale!  In the wrong size!  Let me explain that…she found the perfect pair, but they were size 6.  Normally she wears a 9.  Imagine our surprise when they FIT!  Bela has been wearing them since we got home and loving them.

These are so Bela....

These are so Bela….

I was lucky enough to find a pair to suit me as well.  They were not as discounted as Bela’s, but I convinced myself to get them anyway.

These are very light weight.

These are very light weight.

Keep Working!

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Even though school ended over a month ago, I feel like I have not yet had any summer vacation.  Since my daughter is now homeschooled, I have been trying to keep her working so we (she, actually) can get a few things wrapped up for the year.  There are a few chapters left to finish and a few projects I’d like to help her complete.  I think I get more excited about projects than she does!  She needs to keep working.

At any rate, I’ve been technically working only on the weekends, but I feel like I have not really rested yet.  I think it’s because I spend so much time thinking about things I should do or things I want to do in the near future.  I would be willing to bet that I’m no busier than everyone else around me, but it sure feels that way.  Maybe I’m bogged down thinking and worrying about things I have no control over like all the sickness in our small community.

As I reflect on the “stuff in my head,” I have to remind myself that I should be thankful for the many blessings I have.  I’m reasonably healthy and able to work.  My career is heading in the right direction.  My family is doing well.  Maybe those blessings will be enough to help me relax a bit before I have to start classes again.